FPL managers will be desperate to pick up a ton of points this weekend, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool benefiting from favorable fixtures. However, players of the game will be sweating the fitness of their favorite assets.
Chelsea host Sunderland at 3pm on Saturday, before Manchester United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford at 5.30pm. The day’s activities then conclude with Liverpool’s flight to Brentford. On Sunday, Arsenal will play Crystal Palace at 2pm, while Manchester City will play Aston Villa at the same time. Tottenham will also face Everton. And Express Sport brings you the latest injury news ahead of the match week.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has struggled with a groin injury this season and was forced to leave the pitch in the first half of Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United a month ago.
He has not featured since that match and was not part of the England squad during the international break.
And over the weekend, Blues manager Enzo Maresca revealed that the attacker does not need surgery yet, but could be sidelined until late November.
“We are trying to protect our calls as much as possible, but that is the most important thing,” explained the Italian. “We’re hoping six weeks will be enough, but the issue will have to be checked step by step on a weekly basis. But we’re sure he’s OK.”
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandes played for Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela earlier this month before returning to Stamford Bridge due to knee inflammation.
The attacking midfielder missed the team’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend, but returned to action on Wednesday night as the Blues defeated Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League.
He played the first 45 minutes of that game and is expected to be back in shape over the weekend unless he suffers any adverse effects upon his return.
joachim andersen
Joachim Andersen was forced off last weekend when Fulham lost to Arsenal. And manager Marco Silva will be focusing on his defender’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s game against Newcastle, admitting: “Joachim has a hamstring injury.
“He felt something and it’s only a matter of time before we know if it’s something more serious or a minor injury.
“That’s actually what happens within hours, days after the exam, because with muscle injuries you just realize how serious it can be.”
Noni Madueke
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has had a strong start to the season after joining from Chelsea in the summer.
However, he has not featured since the Gunners’ draw with Manchester City in mid-September. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said at the time: “Yes, it looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks. He felt something at the beginning of the game and tried to keep going, but by half-time it was too painful. So we’ll see.”
Madueke has not been featured in Arsenal’s last six games and is not expected to return this weekend.
alexander isak
Alexander Isak has had a slow start to life at Liverpool after a highly successful move from Newcastle, and was sent off on Wednesday as the team traveled to Eintracht Frankfurt.
After the game, Reds manager Arne Slott explained: That’s a shame.
“Hopefully it won’t be too bad. If he’s out for a couple of weeks, that’s going to put him back in, so let’s wait.”
